The NBA is planning a league in Europe: Here’s what to know – It’s safe to assume that the NBA is now generating a lot of interest in Europe. Among the NBA’s active roster, 15% are from Europe. In addition, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Doncic were all European players, making them three of the league’s top-five preseason MVP favorites. Victor Wembanyama, a youthful sensation from San Antonio, has gone completely unmentioned. The NBA is planning a league in Europe 
With all that said, the NBA’s interest in expanding into Europe’s market is hardly surprising. The NBA and FIBA stated in December that they will launch a new league in Europe in 2027, with the intention of beginning talks with clubs and owners interested in joining the league in January.
US news outlet USA TODAY Sports contacted the NBA for further information regarding the unidentified European league. Things to keep in mind:
It’s safe to assume that the NBA is now generating a lot of interest in Europe. Among the NBA’s active roster, 15% are from Europe. In addition, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Doncic were all European players, making them three of the league’s top-five preseason MVP favorites. Victor Wembanyama, a youthful sensation from San Antonio, has gone completely unmentioned. The NBA is planning a league in Europe
With all that said, the NBA’s interest in expanding into Europe’s market is hardly surprising. The NBA and FIBA stated in December that they will launch a new league in Europe in 2027, with the intention of beginning talks with clubs and owners interested in joining the league in January. US news outlet USA TODAY Sports contacted the NBA for further information regarding the unidentified European league. Things to keep in mind:
In what ways will the league operate?
“We are planning to launch a 16-team league with 10 permanent teams and at least four rotational spots,” expressed Leah MacNab, NBA Senior Vice President and Head of International Strategy, in an interview with USA TODAY Sports.” MacNab expanded, suggesting that the rotational places will work similarly to the relegation method many European soccer leagues use. “It is a very European system,” said MacNab. “We aim to develop a merit-based pathway into the league so that even teams in lower leagues can have the opportunity to participate at the top level of competition.”
According to MacNab, the 10 permanent teams will never fall out of the league. The rotational positions, however, will provide more teams and players the opportunity to play on the largest platform, which will help expand the basketball industry and share the rising interest with other teams that typically wouldn’t get such exposure. The NBA is planning a league in Europe
Are there any teams currently lined up?
Not currently. Although early reports stated that the NBA will start speaking to clubs and owners this month, MacNab asserts that no such conversations have happened. MacNab even argued that if the NBA had already began discussing with teams, it would have been “unlawful.” The process for choosing teams to populate the league will begin soon, but has not begun.
Why are they opting to launch this league now?
Basketball is gaining in popularity in Europe. That’s the bottom line. According to National Media Partnerships and International Communications Lead Mark Pozin, basketball has become the second-most popular sport in Europe with over 270 million fans throughout the continent. Furthermore, the top two most-viewed players internationally on NBA social media are European: Luka Dončić (Slovenia; 845M+ views; 1st overall) and Victor Wembanyama (France; 708M+ views; 2nd overall). Pair those popular players with the NBA playing two games in Europe as well, and there’s plenty of reason to believe the NBA could extend its market dramatically with a league across the Atlantic.
Will we see NBA teams in Europe soon?
MacNab was intrigued by this idea but remarked that such a concept is still a long ways away. The league is not considering that an option for the near future. That said, even Americans have gotten increasingly captivated with overseas basketball. After all, this year’s All-Star Game has the theme of USA vs. the world. The NBA is planning a league in Europe
As it stands, future plans including more foreign preseason games, with potential clashes between NBA squads and teams in the newly formed European league. MacNab also hinted that competitions between the two leagues could be in play as well, however details on the tournament, such as time of year, structure, etc. are still in the works.
Will this hinder NBA teams’ ability to sign international players?
It does not appear so. According to MacNab, most of the systems currently in place will remain in place until further notice. When asked whether or not an NBA-backed league in Europe may encourage some players to remain home rather than fly to the United States to play in the NBA, MacNab conceded that it was a possibility.
Per MacNab, the pay in the NBA will still be greater, which will likely force many players into the NBA, but ultimately it will be up to the player to evaluate what they want from their basketball career and whether or not staying in Europe is in their best interest. The NBA is planning a league in Europe
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